Davey and his wife Emily, who he met at a Liberal Democrat policy working group, have two children, a son and a daughter. Their eldest, John, 16, was born in 2007 with severe learning and physical disabilities and requires round the clock care. Davey has spoken movingly about the importance of the care system, arguing that carers should get a basic income. He often talks about his fears for his son’s welfare in the future. “My biggest thing with my son is: when I’m not here, who is going to look after him?” he has said. Emily has health troubles of her own, revealing a battle with multiple sclerosis. As well as John, they have a younger daughter, Ellie, 10.